Blackman blow for Royals

Reading forward Nick Blackman will miss the opening game of the new season having been handed a one-match suspension by the Football Association.

Blackman, who joined the Royals from Sheffield United for an undisclosed fee in January, will serve his punishment 11 months after the original incident took place while playing for the Blades.

Blackman strongly contested a charge of misconduct towards a steward after visiting supporters entered the pitch during United's League One match against Scunthorpe at Glanford Park in early September, which finished 1-1 after the Blades had two players sent off.

The hearing was finally held last week at which Blackman was issued with the one-match ban.

He will now miss Reading's season opener at home to Ipswich on August 3 as the Championship club aim for an immediate return to the Premier League following last term's relegation.